Traffic enforcement cameras to improve Newark safety

The New Jersey City of Newark is to obtain traffic camera systems from Redflex to improve safety at its traffic light controlled junctions

Redflex Traffic Systems has announced a partnership with Newark, New Jersey to provide photo enforcement at dangerous intersections in the city. Newark, with a population of approximately 300,000, joins Edison, New Jersey as one of the first cities in the state to use red light photo enforcement.

In January 2008, a five-year pilot program was established in New Jersey in order to determine the effectiveness of traffic control signal monitoring systems. Under the state's Department of Transportation (NJDOT), the state of New Jersey is now operating a Red Light Running Automated Enforcement pilot program.

"While bringing jobs and revenues to Newark is important, this program was created for the critical purposes of reducing lawlessness and saving lives," Mayor Booker said. "I commend our Department of Engineering, the New Jersey Department of Transportation and all of our partners on developing this program," Mayor Booker said.

The program will begin with ten intersections, but the contract calls for up to 400 systems and provides for a contract term of five years with one two-year renewal. The intersection at Broad Street and Raymond Boulevard in Newark is the site of the first red light camera in the city. The heavily-trafficked intersection of Broad Street and Market Street will be the second site in Newark. These represent the two most dangerous intersections in the city, according to city officials.

"Newark's decision to implement this important safety program is significant as New Jersey looks to photo enforcement as a tool to reduce collisions," said Karen Finley, President and CEO of Redflex Traffic Systems. "We look forward to working with the City to realize the benefits of this technology that have been experienced by cities in 25 other states across the country."

NJDOT will continue to determine specific locations across the state that have a demonstrated history of violations and accidents related to red light running. The pilot program will assess if a photo enforcement system is an effective long-term tool to increase safety at these locations.